Dog bite emergencies

What do I do if I’m bitten?

If you are bitten by a dog, here is a checklist of things you should do:

If the dog's owner is present, request proof of rabies vaccination, and get the owner's name and contact information.

Clean bite wound with soap and water as soon as possible.

Consult your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if it's after office hours.

Contact the dog's veterinarian to check vaccination records.

What do I do if my dog bites someone?

Dog bites are scary for everyone involved – the person who has been bitten, the dog owner and even the dog. If your dog happens to bite someone, remember that you are responsible to help the person who has been bitten and to remove your dog from the situation. What should you do if the unfortunate happens?

Restrain your dog immediately.

Separate your dog from the scene of the bite.

Try to confine your dog in a safe place.

Check on the bite victim’s condition.

Make sure that the wounds are washed with soap and water.

Encourage the bite victim to seek professional medical advice to check on the seriousness of the wound and the risk of rabies or other infections.

Call 911 if a response by paramedics is needed.

Provide important information.

Give the bite victim – or others who are with the person at the time of the incident – your name, address and phone number, as well as information about your dog’s most recent rabies vaccination.

Obey local rules and laws regarding reporting of dog bites.

Talk to your veterinarian for advice about dog behavior that will help prevent similar incidents in the future.